The 1.3:1 and 1.6:1 FEP heat shrink tubing are special tubing used for the protection and insulation of cables and wires. Simply put, the figures 1.3:1 and 1.6:1 refer to the shrink ratio of the heat-shrink tubing.
The shrink ratio describes how much the FEP heat shrink tubing shrinks when it is heated. For a 1.3:1 FEP shrink tubing, this means that the tubing becomes 1.3 times smaller than its original diameter after shrinking. So if you have a tube with an initial diameter of 13 mm, it will shrink to a diameter of 10 mm. This is handy if you are pulling the tubing over cables or other components and want to make sure it fits perfectly.
With 1.6:1 FEP shrink tubing, the shrink ratio is slightly higher. Here, the tubing is reduced to 1.6 times smaller than the original diameter. This means that it can adapt particularly closely to the underlying cables or connections. This higher shrink ratio is particularly suitable if you want to cover different sizes of cables with a single type of heat shrink tubing.
FEP heat shrink tubing is made from the material FEP (fluoroethylene propylene). This material is known for its excellent resistance to chemicals, high temperatures and UV radiation. This makes the heat shrink tubing particularly suitable for demanding applications in electronics and industry. The fep shrink ratio of 6:1 describes an even higher shrink rate and is ideal when the tubing needs to fit over very differently shaped parts. However, a shrink ratio of 1.3:1 or 1.6:1 is usually more common with FEP.
When it comes to choosing between 1.3:1 and 1.6:1, it depends on how tight the shrink tubing needs to fit. A ratio of 1.3:1 is sufficient for simple cable bundles, as the tubing already provides enough shrinkage to hold the cables firmly together and protect them. However, if the tubing is to enclose several cables of different sizes or complex-shaped parts, then 1.6:1 is the better choice. This way you can ensure that the tubing fits perfectly and nothing slips.
FEP heat shrink tubing also offers better resistance to chemicals and high temperatures compared to other materials such as PVC or polyolefin. This makes them particularly interesting for industrial applications where extreme conditions may prevail.